Obama says he shares Japan’s concern over China’s maritime conduct

President Barack Obama told Prime Minister Shinzo Abe he shared Japan’s concerns about China’s assertive behavior in maritime disputes with its neighbors and assured him of the U.S. commitment to defending Japanese territory, including tiny islands that Beijing claims.

Speaking at a joint news conference in the White House Rose Garden, Obama said a strong U.S.-Japan alliance should not be seen as a provocation to China, but he sought to put to rest any Japanese doubts on whether Washington would stand by Tokyo in any possible confrontation with Beijing. Read more